Epoxy Resin Composite Based on Functional Hybrid Fillers

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Chemistry
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Epoxy resins (EP) are versatile polymers used in various applications.
• Enhancing the mechanical properties of EP composites is crucial for advanced material development.
• Nanofillers like modified silica and bentonites offer potential for property improvement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the effect of bentonite and polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane (POSS)-modified silica fillers on epoxy resin (EP) properties.
• To determine how homogenization methods and filler types influence composite performance.
• To evaluate the mechanical and structural characteristics of the developed hybrid nanocomposites.

Main Methods:

• Preparation of hybrid epoxy resin composites incorporating bentonites and POSS-modified silica.
• Varying filler content between 1.5% and 4.5% by mass.
• Characterization using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), Wide Angles X-ray Scattering (WAXS), and Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM).

Main Results:

• Significant improvements in mechanical properties were observed.
• Tensile strength increased by 44% and Charpy impact strength by 93%.
• SEM revealed fine plate morphology of fractures, WAXS showed no plate separation peak, and TEM confirmed an exfoliated structure.

Conclusions:

• The homogenization method and filler type critically impact the functional and canceling properties of EP composites.
• The developed hybrid composites exhibit characteristics of exfoliated polymer nanocomposites.
• These materials show promising potential for applications requiring enhanced mechanical performance.